John Forsyth , 1835-1908

Monument inscription - Falkenburg Union Cemetery, Mukoka

JOHN FORSYTH died July 2, 1908, age 73 years
His Beloved Wife
MARY DALES, born Sept 22, 1840, Died June 27, 1935

Death of John Forsyth - From the Gravenhurst Herald, 1908

Resident of Muskoka for Half Century: Passes away at home in Macaulay

Mr. John Forsyth, Senior, one of the ealiest residents of the district and one who was thoroughly acquainted with the disadvantages and hardships of opening up a new territory passed away Thursday nite of last week. He had been ailing for a couple of years and two weeks ago, became much worse, the cause of death being attributed to valvular disease of the heart. He suffered little pain and during his illness was always cheerful and uncomplaining.

The deceased leaves a widow and ten children. Two children, Charlotte who died about twenty years ago and a son George, whose death took place two years ago last Christmas, having predeceased him.

The daughters are Mrs Arthur(sic) Crandall, Toronto; Mrs. Robert Montgomery, Parry Sound; Mrs. Harry Mortimer, Mortimer's Point; Mrs. William James, and Mrs. George Peacock and Mrs. Thomas Peacock of Falkenburg.

The sons are William of Huntsville, John and James of Utterson, and Robert of Port Sydney. All the members of the family were present at the funeral which took place last Saturday in Falkenburg Cemetery.

Mr. Forsyth was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and came to Canada with his parents when he was about twenty years old, living for a time in King (County) Township. There he was married a few years later to Miss Mary Dales whose home was near the town of Newmarket.

Forty-eight years ago he came to Muskoka and found this section of wilderness, there being but one house in what is now the town of Bracebridge. For a couple of years he lived there, being chiefly engaged in cutting roads. He located two lots in Macaulay, since named, and cut a good road from them to Bracebridge, and there he made a home and lived the remainder of his life.

Though always taking a deep concern in the welfare of his neighbours, Mr. Forsyth could not be induced to enter municipal politics but lived a quiet life.
He was well-known throughout the district and highly esteemed.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Churchand when in health, was a regular attendant. In politics, he was independant, chosing the man rather than the party.

The sympathy of many friends is extended to the bereaved relatives.